Supplier conference success for Gibbs & Dandy

Published: 06 December, 2013

The Local Merchant Group, the division of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution which includes Gibbs & Dandy, DHS, Normans and Frazer, has successfully held a national conference for a hundred of its leading suppliers.

Companies recently gathered in Milton Keynes to understand more about the 2014 direction of the Local Merchant Group and fully understand the best ways of working alongside them.

The daytime presentations were followed by an evening gala ginner in celebration of a highly successful year, with the suppliers being joined by around 150 team members from across the business.

Managing director Neil Lawrence made special presentations to a number of team members that had each achieved a staggering 40 years plus service – among them was longest serving Nigel Beavan, the branch manager from Gibbs & Dandy Hereford.

It wasn’t a complete night off for Mr Beavan as he was put to work making the prize draw on stage in aid of corporate charity Barnardo’s, with proceeds topping £3,000.

Matt Hunt, commercial director for the Local Merchant Group, believes that building a stronger rapport with suppliers will prove hugely beneficial.

He said: “The occasion gave us the opportunity to share our strategy and plans with those present, and fully explain how the Local Merchant Group fits into the wider structure.

“We wanted suppliers to really understand our culture and how we differ from others in the market, which helped to outline the best ways of working with us for mutual growth in 2014. Feedback from suppliers has been fantastic and we are very positive about our growth plans for the year ahead.”

Joinery sales have risen for the 10th successive quarter but increasing labour and material costs are taking their toll, according to the latest Joinery State of Trade Survey released by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).